Sa'ren Part I

The Seals Open

---

It is 2048, and Earth is a dark and terrible place. In response to the terrorist actions in 2001, most of the countries of the world ended up in a War against Terrorism that eventually became the Third World War. In the aftermath, only half the population of the planet remained, and a new world government came to power. In 2011, a group calling themselves the Eldar took control of much of the free world; almost Fascist in doctrine, all liberty was changed. Religion became outlawed, all sexual variance eliminated and banned on pain of death, and slavery is allowed and upheld in law. It was not a good world to be an orphan in, even less so for one 'out of place'…

---

Province Wales, United Britannic Isles. Bridgend, Old Mid. Glamorgan

In the Slave's Section of Bridgend Library, seventeen youths were seated in front of PCs, wearing headphones and focusing their entire attention on the lessons before them. Striding around them was the Slave Tutor, tasked with ensuring they did not part from the required teachings and indoctrinations. Every so often, he would slap a boy hard across the back of the head, most of the time for no other reason than because he could.

In the top left corner of the room sat a small, black-haired boy. His rich blue eyes fixed upon the screen before him; his ears covered well, he seemed to pay no interest in the movements of the Tutor. He was not, however, studying the day's lessons at all. He already knew every lesson right up to those taught to the final classes. He was currently on the Internet, via a hacking program he had designed. With a simple touch of a key, which would only seem like him going to the next page of work, the whole screen would shift back to the standard Slave access. Within the mainframe ran two, not one, virtual hard-drives. One was the original, the other was illegal. The other belonged to Joel.

Joel, to be blunt, was a prodigy. Photographic memory and an aptitude for science and programming kept him one step ahead of the Tutors here, not to mention the law, such as it was. Like every Orphan-Slave, he was dressed in grey; pants and shirt of thin coarse wool that rubbed painfully against the welts and scars that covered his body, and did little to keep him warm. Upon his brow was a barcode tattoo, the number and mark of a Slave.

Yet his current physical state did nothing to detract from the fact that this boy was unique. Twelve years old, nearly thirteen; he was so undernourished that he looked closer to ten. However, a pixie face, framed by his matted, curly hair, and a quick intelligence in his eyes all showed a beauty that seemed unearthly, but was largely ignored. Not even the dirt and bruises that covered his features could hide it.

In less than twenty minutes, Mr. Williams would come to pick him up from 'school' and return him to his work at his home. More than enough time, he knew. Before him was the news about the current state of the world. News not told by the puppet press, but on the Underground. Through these forbidden servers and contacts, Joel had found out all he could about this world, but it was not to his liking. Every new thing he discovered only made him sadder, for he knew how much further he was from freedom with every single thing learned. More saddening still, was the total lack of the wonder that once held sway barely forty years ago. Music, art, and culture were all gone. Television shows portraying 'Anti-Eldar' beliefs and all things that would allow people to escape the horror of the world, if only for a moment, had been banned.

It was only on this underground network that Joel had been able to experience some of what had passed away. Music from the turn of the century played through his 'phones while he searched for news on the Resistance. It was not good news. More had been caught and executed without trial, and some of Joel's favourite sites had been brought down. Reports of more senseless slaughter; the killing of people whose only crime was to believe or live differently from the norm. He sighed quietly to himself, the black dread of his existence slowly came back to the fore in his mind as the time to leave approached. All he took with him was his memories, and at night in bed, he would re-see those old shows, listen again as his mind sang those old songs. Of the religions that had long been outlawed, Christianity had caught Joel's attention, and seeing the only chance for a 'father' in his life, he had memorized the Bible. God was now his Father, and the only one he had to talk to.

After checking the news, he started surfing for more stories, from authors long since dead and gone for joining the resistance against the Eldar. David Eddings, John Hollingway, TSL… many more, all gone. Only some of their writings lived on to give Joel a 'fool's dream' of hope, but it was enough. He picked a small story, only the first eight chapters had been saved, and re-read it; the rest of it was now lost forever.

The clock above the door chimed 4pm, and on the dot, a man walked in and waited by the Tutor's desk. Without being prompted, Joel stood and turned off the PC, quietly whispering under his breath "Night, 'Goos'…" He waited for the Tutor to dismiss him, and once done, he hurried to his master's side painfully as the fresh wounds he carried started to bleed at the movement. Following without word, Joel went behind him as they walked to the car. Mr. Williams simply pointed to the passenger side door, and then got into the car himself. Joel did as directed and they left for home.

---

Eight miles from the town, Mr. Williams pulled into the driveway of an old Victorian farmhouse. It was a fairly decent looking building, but a palpable sense of dread hung over the place. This was the site of much of Joel's pain. It would never be home to him. Once the car came to a stop, Joel left it and stood by the front door; his eyes were turned down as he waited for his master to open up. Barely a week had gone by since Mrs. Williams had left her husband, and the sense of fear seemed to loom ever closer.

Feeling his master's eyes upon him, Joel inwardly shuddered. The door was opened and he was pushed inside. As always, he stood to one side of the stairs waiting for his orders. They never came. Mr. Williams seemed content to mess about in the living room and kitchen for the next hour, leaving the boy to stand alone, shivering in the cold hallway. When he did finally approach Joel, it was in total silence. A fist connecting sharply to Joel's jaw and a stunning pain when his head slammed into the wall was all that started to give away his master's intentions.

He came too a few moments later to find himself in his cell of a room being stripped naked. He knew better than to fight this, yet a gut wrenching fear took over. Mr. Williams was a homophobic bigot, and had, thankfully, never sought sexual contact before with Joel. His wife had had to deal with this pervert's excesses. Now the boy knew what that 'dread' he had been feeling pointed to. He was about to be raped.

For the first time in his life, he fought back, screaming all the while. Pain from a beating is one thing, but after this act, he would be slain. His master would be unable to leave him alive, as he would not stand to be near Joel after he had used him so. This Joel knew for a fact. More blows rained down on Joel's head and shoulders and a brutal slam into his gut from Mr. Williams' knee brought Joel to the ground, sobbing and groaning in agony. The last of his clothing was ripped from his body, and he was hurled onto the bed, then quickly tied down by his wrists, and facing up. He was pulled to the edge, giving his master access to his behind.

Still sobbing, Joel looked through his tears at his worst dream made real. As his master lowered his own pants and underwear, Joel yelled out and closed his eyes tight.

Yet nothing happened. He cracked open his eyes after a moment to stare at his master, his breath gulped in panicked measures. He did not know why he was not coming any closer. Then he noticed; his master had not just stopped, but seemed frozen in place, as if all motion ceased to exist. Joel started looking everywhere, his eyes as large as saucers. There was no sound, no motion, no nothing. To his right was the window and the late afternoon outside, but no sound of the country could be heard. In front of him was Mr. Richards, frozen in time.

Then the wall just behind his master started to change. As if liquid, the wall shifted and twisted, and a strange mist appeared in the middle of the effect. The phenomenon grew up by seven feet and across by ten. Irregularly shaped, like a circle that had been squashed from various directions, the sight captivated Joel, even as he tucked his feet up towards his body in a futile effort to protect himself should he need to.

Through the mist stepped a being the like of which Joel had never seen. An angel, yet seeming rather younger and more strangely dressed than you would have imagined of an angel. Wings of bright gold-coloured feathers, brown hair and eyes, and dressed in what looked like white jeans, tee-shirt and trainers! Joel gaped at him.

The angel moved quickly to the boy, and with a gesture, the ropes fell from his arms. "Come, child. This is over for you. Come here, Joel," speaking softly, the angel opened his arms. Joel, after a quick look at the terrible form of Mr. Williams, made his choice in a heartbeat. He flung himself into the arms of the angel, who shifted Joel about so that he was sitting on his right hip and he drew his right wing down to cover the boy's nakedness and warm him. The blood on Joel's body did not seem to rub off onto the angel's clothing; neither did the dirt that had rarely been cleaned off the slave boy. It just had no meaning to angelic cloth.

The angel turned around and as he stepped towards the mist-like portal, two other beings of light appeared; but not from the portal. These were over seven feet tall, armed with swords made from crackling lightning, and whose faces shone like bronze. Wings of membranous silk flowed from their backs, and the glint of Holy justice and wrath was seen blazing in their eyes. The larger one spoke, "Go, and take him home. We will deal with the filth here. Please warn the Guardian that this place has offended the Father. The Test is over, and this universe has failed. Go quickly, time is short: and the child's own universe is waiting for him." With gentle fingers the being brushed back Joel's hair and smiled at him.

"As you command, Lord Michael," the golden winged youth said as he carried Joel through the portal, which quickly vanished. The two large angels looked at each other for a long moment, and then Michael asked "What of the woman? She must pay for this as well!"

"One of your captains has been sent for her. Do not worry, for justice will be served this day. Do you have your mandate?" replied Gabriel.

"'Authority is given you to repay that man for the horror done to the child, followed by forever in hell.' I never thought I would say this, but it will be a pleasure!"

Then Michael, Archangel of the Host, made a motion with his sword and time moved again…

… And the screams began.

---

Joel had kept his eyes closed as the winged youth stepped through the portal, so he failed to see what made it, and didn't notice the new place he was in. The youth moved with haste and settled down to sit with his back to an ancient wall. His wings enlarged and formed a cocoon around himself and the boy. Power flowed around them and all the outside seemed shut off from within what was in essence a sphere of golden light.

Joel trembled, and without realizing, asked his first question in over six years, "Am I d… dead?"

"Far from it," chuckled the angel, "you are safe and soon to go home. To your true home," he continued quickly, noticing Joel's fearful reaction to the word 'home'. He moved Joel around and placed him between his legs on the floor facing him. Joel finally opened his eyes and looked at the angel. Calmness and love radiated from the youthful face before him.

Something about the power coming from the youth kept the temperature median and comfortable inside the sphere, but there was still a lingering doubt that stopped the boy from relaxing into the offered safety. He blurted out past his subconscious voice that always told him to remain silent, "H… how can I t… trust you? How do I kn… know you don't work for… for him…?"

"I assume you mean Lucifer?" The boy nodded, "then there are only three options: either I serve the Father, serve Lucifer or you are dreaming," the angel pointed at Joel, "Pinch yourself."

Joel did so. "N… not a dream…" and then continued stubbornly, "but what of the r… rest? Even the d… devil can 'appear as an angel of light', you kn… know!"

"True, but if you know that part of Scripture, you should know what no Fallen can say, do you not?" Seeing Joel hesitantly nod, the youth leaned in and whispered in the boy's ear, "Jesus has come in the Flesh."

Joel relaxed, and leaned in to the angel before him, tears slowly making their way from his eyes. He could trust him. For the first time in nearly thirteen years, Joel had found someone to trust.

"Sleep, little one, for I will keep your dreams at bay," and the angel gently pushed the child back so he was lying against the golden wings that encircled him. Feeling totally supported and protected, Joel finally gave in to his body's demands for rest, and slept. "Sleep in peace, child…"

---

He looked down on the child nestled into his wings, and sighed. So much pain, mistrust and hopelessness seemed to permeate the boy. He set about healing the open, bleeding wounds; wounds that had been prevented from causing more damage by the time flux of the planet they were now on.

Once all the sores were closed, he ran his fingers through the boys mind, and absorbed his feelings and stilled them. Pain, grief, loss, loneliness, fear above all, yet tucked away was a small, yet powerful thing… love. Strength unknown to the child was possessed by the child, and it would take equal strength of love to bring that power out. For now, the simple healing he had preformed would let the child sleep in comfort. The remainder of his pains would be needed to reveal what must be. He sighed, and murmured softly, "Only by going through pain and darkness can we truly appreciate the light. Only by having bad days can the good days come. I wish there were another way, little one, but experience always shows different."

He was determined to take as much time as needed to prepare the child for his return to his true home, his true realm. Things only thought to be fantasy and fiction would come to shocking reality, and he knew that the boy's fragile mind might not take too many surprises. There were surprises enough already, even for him.

He relaxed back and kept vigil over Joel, as well as to watch the progress in the stars above their heads. Angelic vision enabled him to see whole galaxies wink out at the furthest reaches of space. The Seals had been opened upon this perishing universe.

---

Joel started to stir and wake up, his body no longer the mass of pain he had endured for so long. A few aches lingered, but all in all, he was comfortable. Opening his eyes he saw the smiling face of his rescuer. Remembering the angel's answer just before he went to sleep, he quickly accepted the strangeness of sleeping against an angel's wings. He remained relaxed and nestled further into the soft feathers he lay upon, and a contented sigh escaped his lips.

The young angel noticed his charge awaken and asked "Feeling hungry, little one?"

Joel looked at him with puzzlement, for he had never been asked anything before. Was he to respond? Or should he remain silent as he was taught?

"You can speak, child. You can ask, seek and know whatever you wish." The youth said with assurance. His power flared and he removed the child's learned resistance towards asking questions for a time. His wings drew the child in towards him and into a sitting position. "Are you hungry?"

"Yes, sir," came the hesitant response.

"What would you like to eat? Anything you want, I can make for you."

Now Joel really showed perplexity. A choice? He started to reply slowly, "Sir, I, err… I've always eaten what I was given. I will eat whatever you choose to give me."

The angel looked at him carefully, "You've never had much to eat before, have you?" Joel shook his head. "What have you eaten, what type of food were you given before?"

"Bread mostly, sir. A little meat dinner a few times each week and fruit if I did my work well. Only chicken or apples, though." He paused, "I don't deserve good food," he finished so quietly that only the angel's supernatural hearing could catch it.

"Child, you deserve everything good! Everything you have learned until now will change, do you understand? You can have whatever you desire, now." He said with passion, then softly "Tell me, of the 'good food' you have seen others eat, is there anything you have wanted to try?"

After a moment's thought, Joel remembered what his master had always had for breakfast. Something he had always loved the smell off. He stuttered out "Scrambled eggs? On toast? If it is okay, sir?"

With those words that very smell he had remembered filled the golden globe they were cocooned in. Hot pieces of toast with butter melted through them and piles of steaming scrambled eggs were nearly overflowing a plate that had appeared in the angel's hand. Joel just looked at it in wonder, his mouth suddenly watering.

With a giggle, the angel moved his hand in front of Joel and produced a knife and fork, "Don't touch the plate, it's hot. Tuck in, kid."

And tuck in Joel did! Never had he tasted anything like this. It tasted better than it smelled, hot and filling and totally delicious. He ate until he felt like he would burst, yet the plate was as full as when he had began. He knew he could eat no more, yet he couldn't leave food! He would be in so much trouble! Tears started in the corners of his eyes. The angel noticed and asked "What's the matter?"

"I have to finish, sir. I can't eat any more, but I have to…" started the panicked replay.

"Shhh," with understanding the angel made the plate and cutlery vanish, "you could never have finished that plate, Joel. We of heaven always give until it runs over. You did well, though. I've not seen many eat that much; apart from my brothers, that is."

Joel's tears had stopped even before they had truly begun, and he asked with growing curiosity, "Brothers? Do angels have brothers?"

"I was once alive, Joel. I was not created an angel, unlike those others you saw yesterday. They are Princes of Heaven. I am human, even though I have died."

"Do all humans get wings when they die?"

"Nope, not all," the youth moved Joel about so that he was sitting on his lap in a tight hug, one hand wrapped securely around Joel's now full, extended stomach, "Some get to be Guardian Angels, others Saints. Many, however, remain fairly normal and stay in Paradise. We all have jobs; just some have to go back to the mortal worlds to do them." He started to brush his fingers through Joel's dark hair, easily untangling it without causing pain. Joel's loose curls started to fall free of each other.

"Oh. I'm sorry," was the relaxed, quiet response.

"What for, me dying?" Feeling Joel's head nod he continued, "It was just my time, and now I get to do some wonderful things for those I love that I was unable to do before. Everyone has a day to die, Joel. It was just mine, that's all. Now, if you are comfortable, there are a few things I need to tell you. Things you need to know before you get a few too many surprises. Does that sound okay?"

More questions, more choices. He was so unused to this, so all he could manage was a weak nod. He pulled the angel's arms tighter about him and pressed himself back into the warmth of his chest. The angel smiled as Joel sought comfort, and thought 'Poor boy. Take all the hugs you want, little one, and there will be plenty to follow soon.'

Then he spoke, "Right, jump in if you need to ask anything. Remember, you are allowed to ask whatever questions you want. I'll try and keep this as simple as I can:

"You were not born on the Earth you grew up on. You were not even born in this universe, and you were most definitely not in the right time. I do not know how you ended up here, but Our Father received a call from the Guardian informing Him of a time-shift that should not have occurred, into a universe that is totally restricted!"

"Right time?" queried Joel. "What do you mean?"

"You were born in 1991, not 2035. You have not only been lost in another universe, but also time shifted. That is why I was put on detached duty to come to your aid. I am also from your true time period and universe, as is my family. The Guardian has not explained much to me other than that you must be returned to where you came from, and to the correct time that you would have been in had you never been lost.

"Now, this universe is a little different from most of the others. Here, only Earth has life. This place is an experiment, in a way; an experiment that has failed and is now in the process of being purged. Those on earth who are struggling to love and live will be granted immediate access to the Father. The majority, however… well, let's just say they are going somewhere… rather 'warm'…"

Joel suddenly caught onto something and broke in with excitement "Universes? You mean there really are other Earths? Other places and timelines like in those sci-fi shows? And do other worlds have people? Aliens? Like Star Trek?"

The angel giggled at the lad's joy, "Yes, Joel, many, in fact. But here's the most puzzling thing. In every universe, in every timeline there are people born with an ability to dream about the other universes. Some people have dreamt of things and made up books and stories and TV shows thinking they were just their own ideas. But they are true, in another place."

"Superman? Spiderman? X-Men? Star Trek?! All true?!" Joel asked in wonder, remembering all those secret websites he had found.

"Some? Yes. All? Maybe, but that is not for us to know. The world we come from is such a place, where things you think are just fiction are real. I am forbidden to tell you what is different there, though, as you must find out for yourself. But remember: you can expect some things to be wholly familiar to you, yet you would have only seen them in books or on TV. Don't panic when you realize where you are, for you will be safe where we're headed. That's about it, I think. You ready to go?"

Joel nodded; excitement mixed with nervous fear coursed through him. The angelic youth stood up, and started to tuck his wings back behind him, shrinking them back to normal as he did so. He held Joel securely on his right hip, then used his wing again as a cover for his nakedness. The sphere of power slowly dissipated, revealing the desolate world they were on. The sky above was almost totally void of stars.

Joel looked around taking in the sights of a gigantic ruined city, now lit mainly by the bright presence of the angel. It reached further than he could see, and it seemed oddly familiar. The angel started to walk around the wall they had rested against then spoke, "Guardian, I bring a message and a request. Will you hear me?"

Joel looked towards that which the angel had addressed, and gasped.

//I will hear you, Saint of Heaven. What is your Message?//

"This Realm hath failed the Test. The Seals have opened, and all is being consumed. Thy Task here is complete. Thus says Our Father."

//My thanks. And your Request?//

The Saint looked down at the stunned face of the boy in his arms, "It is time for this youngster to go home, Guardian. Can you open a fixed point, to our own universe and to our correct time?"

//With ease. Joel shall be the first of mortal kind to step through me from this realm. The first… and the last//

Joel had recovered somewhat from the shock of seeing fantasy made reality, and looked the Saint in the eyes, "May I ask a question, sir?"

He responded with a laugh, "Yes, but don't call me 'sir'! You're making me feel old!"

Joel giggled, "Umm, okay, but what's your name? If I ain't to call you sir, what should I call you?"

"In life I was called Michael Patrick Short, now I'm Saint Mikey of Urbandale, Protector of Gay and Abandoned Youths," he replied with a smile, "but you can call me Mikey."

Joel returned his smile, the first truly happy smile that had come across his face in years, "Okay, Mikey?" Seeing him nod, Joel continued, "Is that what I think it is; The Guardian of Forever? And is this 'Forever World'?"

Mikey started to walk towards the Guardian, "Yes, this is 'Forever World', and this is the Guardian of Forever."

"Star Trek…" Joel whispered in wonder.

"Yes and no. The Guardian is present in all Universes. Not different versions of him, but he's actually in each at once."

As they drew closer, the mists within the Guardian started to swirl. Joel was holding tightly to Mikey's side, his fear and nervousness starting to grow, as he didn't know what lay behind this portal. He closed his eyes and buried his face into Mikey's neck; all desire to ask questions gone, for Mikey had just withdrawn that temporary gift so that true healing could take place.

Seconds before they entered the mists, Joel heard within his mind the quiet voice of the Guardian, //For the Mending of a Father's Heart; for the Healing of a Broken Son; for two Souls to join in Love; for a Brotherhood that will never break…//

Then they were gone, and the Guardian was alone again on a deserted world in a dying universe. Then 'Forever World' vanished, and the realm soon followed, swallowed by the Power of the released Seals.

---

To Be Continued ....

---

Author's Note:

The original concept for the boy 'Joel' came from a daydream I used to have as an eight and nine year old boy. After reading the wonderful stories that now fill the CSU, I saw a chance to bring that dream to life in a way I never expected. 'Joel' has grown and developed over the last few weeks and has now been given life by the kind permission of all those authors working in the Clan Short Universe.

I hope I can realize this dream and bring 'Joel' to the point that I imagined all those years ago. I also hope this brings some small joy to those who read it, and remember: Don't let your childlike dreams die; they can live if you choose to let them!

Enjoy and God Bless,

Iluvantir

---

Editor's Note:

The City on the Edge of Forever was one of my all time favourite episodes of Star Trek. It was very nice to see the Guardian of Forever and he seemed to be very caring and helpful.

This wonderful story is going to be a fantastic addition to the annals of history in the universe into which our hero is led. His new life, I predict is going to change and certainly for the better.

With the help and encouragement of the Angel that helps him find where he belongs, I am sure he will thrive and have many wonderful adventures.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

---

Soundboard Notes:

I'm excited: The first time I'm allowed to write such a note, and then for a story which took shape in front of my eyes.

It has been a breeze to work together with Ilu, because he doesn't get upset if I remark at the tiny things which are not coming together in my opinion. He sits them down with me and explains how it is meant, or sometimes even says: Yeah, you are right, I should explain that better.

I'm really glad I'm allowed to help out here, and I'm really curious how the story will develop. Joel had to endure so much in his short life. And it looks like Mikey got there just in time to prevent the worst. Joel deserves some rest, joy and love. But I'm positive that there will be enough of all of it in the upcoming chapters, from the things I have heard up to now.

And even if my editing skills are not up to the standard of other editors on the fort, I will gladly be the "soundboard" which bounces, changes and maybe even enhances the ideas Ilu has.

John Hollingway

---

Clan Short Archivist's Notes:

This looks like it is going to be a truly interesting new story in the Clan Short Universe. We will just have to wait and see how the story develops but from what I have seen so far it will definitely grab your attention. Ilu has done a commendable job for a first time author and I can't wait for more. Everyone should sit back and grab your arm rests as this looks like it is going to be a roller coaster ride on a grand scale.

The Story Lover